Classroom Research: GC Studies of Linoleic and Linolenic Fatty Acids Found in French Fries

A study of fatty-acid ratios in French fries has proved to be an excellent choice for an entry-level research class. This research develops reasoning skills and involves the subject of breast cancer, a major concern of American society. Analysis of tumor samples removed from women with breast cancer...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical education 2002-07, Vol.79 (7), p.824
Main Authors: Crowley, Janice P, DeBoise, Kristen L, Marshall, Megan R, Shaffer, Hannah M, Zafar, Sara, Jones, Kevin A, Palko, Nick R, Mitsch, Stephen M, Sutton, Lindsay A, Chang, Margaret, Fromer, Ilana, Kraft, Jake, Meister, Jessica, Shah, Amar, Tan, Priscilla, Whitchurch, James
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
Classrooms
Curricula
Fatty acids
French language
Organic chemistry
Science education
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Summary:A study of fatty-acid ratios in French fries has proved to be an excellent choice for an entry-level research class. This research develops reasoning skills and involves the subject of breast cancer, a major concern of American society. Analysis of tumor samples removed from women with breast cancer revealed high ratios of linoleic to linolenic acid, suggesting a link between the accelerated growth of breast tumors and the combination of these two fatty acids. When the ratio of linoleic to linolenic acid was approximately 9 to 1, accelerated growth was observed. Since these fatty acids are found in cooking oils, Wichita Collegiate students, under the guidance of their chemistry teacher, decided that an investigation of the ratios of these two fatty acids should be conducted. A research class was structured using a gas chromatograph for the analysis. Separation of linoleic from linolenic acid was successfully accomplished. The students experienced inductive experimental research chemistry as it applies to everyday life. The structure of this research class can serve as a model for high school and undergraduate college research curricula.
ISSN:0021-9584
1938-1328
DOI:10.1021/ed079p824